Where to Start

It's been a while. Here is a bit of what we've been up to this spring and summer.

 We went to California and Miriam swam with dolphins.  I'm not sure there is an activity that better suits a nine-year-old girl than swimming with dophins.  Dancing with unicorns?  Kitten shopping? 

 Easter.

 Sam and Miriam are reading a ton this summer.  As a reader, this makes me exceeedingly happy.  Seeing them read to their younger brothers, well, sometimes I break out into a happy dance.

I love my garden.  Potates, leeks, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, herbs, carrots, peas, jalepenos, tomatillos, squash in many varieties, raspberries, strawberries, oh my!  We planted a peach tree this year and I have been dreaming about my very own asparagus patch. 

 The kids are getting older and bigger and sometimes sillier.

And little Aaron.  He is so delicious I could eat him up and at the same time he is so scream-y and kick-y and contrary I could just eat him up.
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I have had a rough time since his birth, not only because having four kids is some kind of crazy, but I experienced postpartum depression this time.  I've never had it before.  I still feel a bit unsure of myself.  I hold back, afraid of my emotions.
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If you step out my front door, walk east one block and north two blocks, you will step onto a trail and up into the mountains.  It is this that has helped me the most.  I am able to take a step away from my everyday life and climb among the rocks and trees almost daily.  I wouldn't have gone out this much if it weren't for our high maintenance German Shepherd.  God brings things together in our lives in interesting ways.  Here is a house near the mountains and a puppy that needs lots of exercise so that when you are struggling and your days are dark, you will be able to find a place to draw near to God and His love when you need it the most.